Microsoft Q1 profits slide 18% $3.57 bn

New York: Software giant Microsoft witnessed
an 18 per cent slump in the first quarter profits at USD 3.57
billion compared to the year-ago period, even as the company
benefited from cost-cutting measures and strong consumer
demand for Windows.

The entity had profits to the tune of USD 4.37 billion in
the same period a year ago.
In a statement today, Microsoft said its revenue for the
first quarter ended September declined 14 per cent to USD
12.92 billion in comparison with the same period a year
earlier.

"These financial results reflect the deferral of USD 1.47
billion of revenue, an impact of USD 0.12 of diluted earnings
per share, relating to the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program
and sales of Windows 7 to OEMs (Original Equipment
Manufacturers) and retailers before general availability," the
statement said.

The first quarter results come a day after the global
launch of its Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

"We are very pleased with our performance this quarter
and particularly by the strong consumer demand for Windows,"
Microsoft`s Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell said.